CLEAN sheets have been more difficult to come by than cheap mortgages at the County Ground this season, but you won't find goalkeeping coach John Granville feeling sorry for himself.
Rather than berate Town's glovemen on the club's Wanborough training ground, Granville insists encouragement is the key to keeping things tight at the back.
"I have to try to be positive all the time," said Granville ahead of today's League One clash with Huddersfield.
"There's no point in them looking at me with my head down after they concede a goal, because then we're in trouble. We have to raise their spirits, and me, in particular, with the goalkeepers. I want to get the best out of them.
"It's nice to get some support from the manager, but once the player crosses that white line he has to do it for himself.
"You have to dig deep and realise you can't dwell too much on the error. It's happened, it's gone and you have to put it right next time. You do that by applying yourself at training, working on the basics and getting confidence back."
Granville believes part of the problem this season has been the lack of continuity between the posts, with neither Brezovan or Smith able to make the position their own.
He believes a run of games is necessary for either man to feel comfortable, but knows individual errors have thwarted the manger's best-laid plans.
"Expectations at the club are very high," said Granville.
"Before the season we sat down and talked about how many clean sheets we wanted.
"We explained to them that at some point one of them would be disappointed because we have two very good goalkeepers.
"Once they are on top form, the one who is in will hold onto his place.
"But the game can change so quickly. An injury to one of them, and the other has to be pushing and training just as hard to take their chance when it comes along. We need to get some stability, and whoever starts needs a good run of games."
And with 17-year-old youth team keeper Mark Scott growing in stature by the game, Granville admits he is spoilt for choice at the County Ground.
"Mark has done tremendously well. Last season we had the confidence to put him on the bench for several games.
"I had no doubts he would have stepped in and done the job because he's done very well with the youth team.
"He's relaxed and competent. He has two very good senior goalkeepers pulling him along too, so he's definitely one for the future."